Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
Inflammation, Diagnostic procedure, CT, Head and neck, Emergency
Authors:
S. Petrovic1, F. Petrovic1, A. Milenkovic1, M. Petrovic1, D. A. Stojanov2, Z. Radovanovic1; 1Nis/RS, 2Nis, SERBIA/RS
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-0743
Conclusion
Ludwig angina is a diffuse,
rapidly spreading phlegmonous infection of the soft tissues of the neck and floor of the mouth.
It always involves both the sublingual and submandibular spaces.
Although its incidence has declined with improvement in dental care,
it remains a serious and potentially lethal clinical entity that requires prompt management to avoid serious morbidity or death from airway compromise.
CT imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis of Ludwig`s angina in the emergency setting,
as well as in detecting any associated life-threatening complications.
Early CT imaging is essential to evaluate the extension of tissue infection and to guide decisions regarding surgical approaches when indicated.